Tromsdalen Church, also known as Ishavskatedralen (The Arctic Cathedral) is a parish church of the Church of Norway in Tromsø Municipality in Troms og Finnmark county; Norway. It is located in the Tromsdalen valley on the east side of the city of Tromsø.
Architect Jan Inge Hovig succeeded in creating a masterpiece built in 1965, inspired by Arctic nature. The "Return of Christ" glass mosaic window dominates the interior. The cathedral is a landmark visible from the Tromsø Sound, the Tromsø Bridge and when landing in Tromsø by aircraft. The 11 aluminium-coated concrete panels on each side of the roof provide the cathedral’s form.
The main entrance on the western side is surrounded by a large glass facade with a pronounced cross. The fantastic glass mosaic on the eastern side was added in 1972. The glass mosaic is one of artist Victor Sparre’s most prominent works. It depicts God’s hand from which departs three rays of light: one through Jesus, one through a woman and one through a man. The glass work contains many symbols and generates considerable attention among our visitors.
The oak pews, the large prism chandeliers, the altar rail and pulpit are the most significant fittings, all of which are in a style that agrees with the cathedral’s severity and simplicity.